WAJHA TUM HO

6. || False Facades ||

Ray pulled her out from the hug, cupped her face with a facade of deep emotion, and asked, "Do you love me?"

Ananya nodded fervently, her eyes glistening with sincerity. "More than anything in the world, more than I love myself."

Ray turned away, rolling his eyes briefly, then responded with a feigned struggle, "Love... I love you too, Ananya. But I can't accept you. I can't offer you the life you deserve, not like Dev can."

Ananya, desperate and confused, reached for his hand, gripping it tightly. "I don't care about wealth or status. All that matters to me is you."

Ray sighed, feigning irritation. "But it matters to me, Ananya. I want to provide you with a comfortable life, a life that only wealth can offer. And for that, I need to defeat Dev."

Ananya, puzzled, asked, "How are you going to do that?"

Ray looked at her pleadingly. "If you love me, you'll do something for me. Just one thing."

Ananya, now sarcastic, replied, "Tell me what it is, and I’ll do it."

Ray took her hands in his, locking eyes with her. "Marry Dev Joshi."

Ananya recoiled in shock, her voice trembling. "What? Are you out of your mind? I just told you I love you, and you want me to marry someone else?"

Ray, keeping his composure, placed a finger on her lips to silence her. "Ananya, listen to me. This is temporary. Just marry him for a short time, help me secure a few business deals, and then divorce him. I’ll make sure of it."

Ananya, her voice breaking, protested, "No, Ray. I can’t deceive him like that. He loves me."

Ray, relentless, countered, "And what about our love? Doesn’t that matter? Just pretend for a while, give some excuse. Everything is fair in love and war, Ananya. I swear, it’s just for a short time. Once I have what I need, you’ll be free."

Ananya, emotionally overwhelmed, leaned against him. "I love you so much, Ray. I'm doing this only for you. Please never think I want someone else’s money. I belong to you."

Ray hugged her, his eyes glinting with hidden malice. "I know you do. And soon, we'll be together forever. Now, give me a smile."

Ananya managed a weak smile and then remembered, "Ray, Dev invited me for coffee today. He asked me to meet him at the cafe."

Ray, masking his excitement, responded, "That’s perfect. Go there and accept his proposal. He already likes you."

Ananya nodded reluctantly and left the room. Ray smirked behind her back. Downstairs, Ananya met her mother.

Devki ji held Ananya's hand gently. "Ananya, you heard what Dev's mother said. What do you think?"

Ananya, with a strained smile, replied, "Mom, I trust you to make the best decision for me. I have no problem with this marriage. But I’m meeting Dev at the cafe tonight. You can give his mom the answer tomorrow."

Devki ji smiled, blessing her daughter. As Ananya walked away, she closed her eyes, praying silently, "Forgive me, God. I'm doing this for Ray. I don't want to hurt Dev, but I have to. Once Ray gets what he needs, I'll divorce Dev and we'll go our separate ways."

Meanwhile, Karuna ji proudly told Dev about her visit to Ananya’s house, with Sid giggling in the background.

Dev, facepalming, said, "Mom, why were you in such a hurry? I was going to talk to her myself. Now it feels so rushed."

Karuna ji laughed and teased, "Well, if you don't hurry, someone else might sweep her off her feet. Now, get ready to propose to her. Or should I do that too?"

Dev, flustered, replied, "I’ve got it, Mom. Don’t worry."

Karuna ji hung up, and Sid continued laughing. She playfully chased him around with a rolling pin.

That night, as the clouds conspired to pour down rain, Ray schemed his next move while Dev eagerly awaited Ananya at the cafe. Dev had meticulously planned everything, booking an entire floor for their private meeting.

As Ananya entered the darkened floor, her heart raced with a mix of excitement and fear. "Dev, where are you?" she called out, her voice echoing.

Suddenly, the lights came on, and rose petals showered down on her. She smiled, marveling at the beautiful decorations—fairy lights, candles, flowers, and balloons. She looked around but didn’t see Dev.

Then, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Dev standing there, holding a bouquet of red roses, his eyes filled with love.

Dev, gazing into her eyes, recited softly:
"Walk with me,
and every path becomes better than the destination.
Under the moonlit sky, let’s create memories,
For in this moment, we are consumed by love.
If you smile, it feels like a new world has begun.
Who knows the heart better than the heart itself?
Walk with me,
for the journey is better than the destination."

Ananya, touched yet conflicted, took the flowers from his hand. Dev extended his hand towards her, a silent request for a lifetime together.